How to get from Chumphon to Bangkok

To get from Chumphon to Bangkok, you have your usual choice of a bus or a train. Buses are faster, but the main bus station which serves the capital is a bit far from the town. Trains are slower, but you have a good choice of seats and sleepers and the train station is located right in the centre of Chumphon.

From Chumphon to Bangkok by bus

There are two bus stations in Chumphon. The smaller one, which is located in the city itself, serves southern destinations like Hat Yai, Ranong or Phuket. A new, bigger Chumphon provincial transport station, from where buses to Bangkok depart, sits on Highway 4, some 14 km west of town. Note that there are no public transport which serves the new bus station, so you will need to arrange a taxi (about THB100).

There are a number of operators serving the route between Chumphon and Bangkok, including Suwannatee tour. Though the location of Chumphon bus station is really out of the way, you may still consider taking a bus instead of a train as buses bring you to the capital just in 6½ hours while trains take no less than 8½ hours. Suwannatee Tour offers three Bangkok-bound buses during the day, at 10am, 2pm and 10pm. All of them are Express buses with tickets just under THB400. Snacks and drinks are served on the way, there are toilets on board and air-conditioning. Note that the afternoon departure arrives to Bangkok at 8.20pm, and the last one – at 4.20am, so arrange accordingly.

In Bangkok, buses arrive to Sai Tai Mai, the Southern bus terminal, located in Thonburi district on the western banks of Chao Phraya. Numerous BMTA buses connect it with other parts of the capital, but it is not an easy task to figure out which one you need and not convenient if you travel with luggage. Consider taking a taxi instead to get to the city.

From Chumphon to Bangkok by train

Chumphon Train Station lies right in the centre of the city, northwest of Chumphon Night Bazaar. Trains from Chumphon to Bangkok leave throughout the day. Taking a train is the most comfortable way to travel, especially if you book a sleeper. Trains #174, #168 (8.25pm), #86 (9.10pm) and #84 (12.05am) each offer the most popular second class AC sleepers at around THB850-THB900. Be ready for a freezinf air-conditioner, though. If you do not want to risk your health, opt for a second class fan sleeper, which is a bit cheaper at THB650. There are 2nd class fan sleeper carts in #174 (7.30pm) and #168. All these trains take from 8½ hours to 9½ hours to reach Bangkok.

Then there are two trains which are the fastest from the bunch, #40 leaving from Chumphon at 12.45pm and arriving to Bangkok at 7.45pm, and #42, which departs at 10.45pm and arrives at 5.55am. There are second class AC seats only in both of them, so think twice before you book your 7-hour journey. If you are looking for the cheapest train ticket, consider a night train #168 which has second class fan seats only at THB500. And good luck for your lower back!

Should I make a stopover in Chumphon?

Chumphon is the transit point to the diving Mecca of Koh Tao, as well as the gateway to the south of Thailand, including both Ranong and Phuket. The overwhelming majority of the tour agencies and guesthouses in the city are geared towards providing travellers with onward ferry and transfer tickets. But besides giving you access to the islands of the gulf, Chumphon serves as a nice pit stop for backpackers who want to take a break from travelling. While there is actually not much to see and to do in the city itself, there are some pleasant and quiet beaches nearby, including Hat Sai Ree (20 km on 4119 and 4098) and a famous Hat Thung Wua Laen (16 km on 3108). The city is also a good spot for sightseeing with Chumphon National Museum displaying prehistorical artefacts found in the province and a handful of historical temples including Wat Pradoen and Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi. The nearby islands of Koh Maprao (permit for visiting is required), Koh Lava, Koh Thalu and the like which are great spots for diving and snorkelling close to coral reefs are not be disregarded either.

First-hand experience: a homestay or a coffee-roaster shop?

The majority of those who seek for budget accommodation in Chumphon end up checking in at Suda Guest House which is arguably the most popular place with backpackers and flashpackers who decide to stay overnight in the city. We were not so lucky, though, as on finding out that we had just arrived to the mainland from the islands and were heading backwards to Bangkok, the reception guy said that there were no more vacancy at Suda’s. Most probably he was cheating as a foreign couple who arrived a few minutes after us got a room – obviously because they were going to Koh Tao the next morning, and the owners planned to sell them a bus+ferry combo to the island.

If you happen to have the same problem, do not despair. Just one shop down the street from Suda’s there is a great place to experience Chumphon hospitality to its fullest. There is a small rest house, ingeniously called New Rest House. Basically, it is a rambling private house of local coffee-roasters with over 50 years in coffee-roasting business.

They offer two very primitive fan rooms with shared toilets outside, but the owners are so friendly and accommodating and the atmosphere of a real ‘living’ house is so relaxed, that you cannot help but fall in love with the place.

In the morning they brew their roasts for the guests and you can also have a look at a very primitive – but obviously efficient! – coffee-roasting machine they use. Local robusta is very toning up – take a chance to buy some to bring back home, even if the beans look too overroasted.

How to get from Chumphon to Bangkok

To get from Chumphon to Bangkok, you have your usual choice of a bus or a train. Buses are faster, but the main bus station which serves the capital is a bit far from the town. Trains are slower, but you have a good choice of seats and sleepers and the train station is located right in the centre of Chumphon.

From Chumphon to Bangkok by bus

There are two bus stations in Chumphon. The smaller one, which is located in the city itself, serves southern destinations like Hat Yai, Ranong or Phuket. A new, bigger Chumphon provincial transport station, from where buses to Bangkok depart, sits on Highway 4, some 14 km west of town. Note that there are no public transport which serves the new bus station, so you will need to arrange a taxi (about THB100).

There are a number of operators serving the route between Chumphon and Bangkok, including Suwannatee tour. Though the location of Chumphon bus station is really out of the way, you may still consider taking a bus instead of a train as buses bring you to the capital just in 6½ hours while trains take no less than 8½ hours. Suwannatee Tour offers three Bangkok-bound buses during the day, at 10am, 2pm and 10pm. All of them are Express buses with tickets just under THB400. Snacks and drinks are served on the way, there are toilets on board and air-conditioning. Note that the afternoon departure arrives to Bangkok at 8.20pm, and the last one – at 4.20am, so arrange accordingly.

In Bangkok, buses arrive to Sai Tai Mai, the Southern bus terminal, located in Thonburi district on the western banks of Chao Phraya. Numerous BMTA buses connect it with other parts of the capital, but it is not an easy task to figure out which one you need and not convenient if you travel with luggage. Consider taking a taxi instead to get to the city.

From Chumphon to Bangkok by train

Chumphon Train Station lies right in the centre of the city, northwest of Chumphon Night Bazaar. Trains from Chumphon to Bangkok leave throughout the day. Taking a train is the most comfortable way to travel, especially if you book a sleeper. Trains #174, #168 (8.25pm), #86 (9.10pm) and #84 (12.05am) each offer the most popular second class AC sleepers at around THB850-THB900. Be ready for a freezinf air-conditioner, though. If you do not want to risk your health, opt for a second class fan sleeper, which is a bit cheaper at THB650. There are 2nd class fan sleeper carts in #174 (7.30pm) and #168. All these trains take from 8½ hours to 9½ hours to reach Bangkok.

Then there are two trains which are the fastest from the bunch, #40 leaving from Chumphon at 12.45pm and arriving to Bangkok at 7.45pm, and #42, which departs at 10.45pm and arrives at 5.55am. There are second class AC seats only in both of them, so think twice before you book your 7-hour journey. If you are looking for the cheapest train ticket, consider a night train #168 which has second class fan seats only at THB500. And good luck for your lower back!

Should I make a stopover in Chumphon?

Chumphon is the transit point to the diving Mecca of Koh Tao, as well as the gateway to the south of Thailand, including both Ranong and Phuket. The overwhelming majority of the tour agencies and guesthouses in the city are geared towards providing travellers with onward ferry and transfer tickets. But besides giving you access to the islands of the gulf, Chumphon serves as a nice pit stop for backpackers who want to take a break from travelling. While there is actually not much to see and to do in the city itself, there are some pleasant and quiet beaches nearby, including Hat Sai Ree (20 km on 4119 and 4098) and a famous Hat Thung Wua Laen (16 km on 3108). The city is also a good spot for sightseeing with Chumphon National Museum displaying prehistorical artefacts found in the province and a handful of historical temples including Wat Pradoen and Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi. The nearby islands of Koh Maprao (permit for visiting is required), Koh Lava, Koh Thalu and the like which are great spots for diving and snorkelling close to coral reefs are not be disregarded either.

First-hand experience: a homestay or a coffee-roaster shop?

The majority of those who seek for budget accommodation in Chumphon end up checking in at Suda Guest House which is arguably the most popular place with backpackers and flashpackers who decide to stay overnight in the city. We were not so lucky, though, as on finding out that we had just arrived to the mainland from the islands and were heading backwards to Bangkok, the reception guy said that there were no more vacancy at Suda’s. Most probably he was cheating as a foreign couple who arrived a few minutes after us got a room – obviously because they were going to Koh Tao the next morning, and the owners planned to sell them a bus+ferry combo to the island.

If you happen to have the same problem, do not despair. Just one shop down the street from Suda’s there is a great place to experience Chumphon hospitality to its fullest. There is a small rest house, ingeniously called New Rest House. Basically, it is a rambling private house of local coffee-roasters with over 50 years in coffee-roasting business.

They offer two very primitive fan rooms with shared toilets outside, but the owners are so friendly and accommodating and the atmosphere of a real ‘living’ house is so relaxed, that you cannot help but fall in love with the place.

In the morning they brew their roasts for the guests and you can also have a look at a very primitive – but obviously efficient! – coffee-roasting machine they use. Local robusta is very toning up – take a chance to buy some to bring back home, even if the beans look too overroasted.

Passenger reviews out of total 9,878 passengers who traveled with us on this route.

At 12Go our operators offer three types of service:

Cheap, Fast, Good - but you can usually pick only two of them!Cheap & Fast won’t be Good. (e.g. buses from/to Khao San Road, local buses or 3rd class trains)Cheap & Good won’t be Fast. (e.g. VIP trains in Thailand)Fast & Good won’t be Cheap. (e.g. private limousine services, or VIP24 buses vs Express buses)

Make your choice! Please remember that while we are closely monitoring the services, we are still an agency marketplace. That means we focus on ticketing services and route availability & coverage rather than on the factual seat reclining angle you will get on the bus today.

RemcoMar 13, 2018

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★☆☆

Sink did not work
Drain floating

RamirezMar 11, 2018

train #168 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Excellent!

EikoMar 6, 2018

train #168 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

The train was exactly in schedule which was pleasant news. The bunk is quite comfortable and it is an experience in its own right to travel by train in Thailand. Don't expect to get much sleep unless you are a heavy sleeper. The train is loud, especially near doors and chances of being bunked near a sneezing fellow traveller are high :)

LisaMar 5, 2018

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Great trip! Comfy bed with crisp clean sheets, a firm pillow, and a blanket. Train was quiet and on time
Staff was friendly and helpful.

Great staff. Cute snacks. The cabin could have been dimmer, but I loved the strong aircon and the cosy blankets.
Bus came a little early which was great because we were there 30 min prior as was directed, and the ride was surprisingly comfy enough to sleep (we caught a 10pm to Bangkok). There was even a stop about 2 hours in to stretch your legs :) Could not ask for more

MyleneFeb 16, 2018

train #168 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★☆☆

Train was half an hour late, and not as good as the train I took to Chiang Mai. Toilet very smelly and not clean. Bed very small and not long enough. Didnt sleep too good. Not much space for luggage. Train is a great way to travel, but better to take a newer train..

LimFeb 13, 2018

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

There were enough staff at every car, so you won't get lost finding out which is your cabin! The first class cabin was good, bed pillow and blanket all freshly prepared. There were hooks for your clothes, wash basin, personal bed lamp, charging port at the door, and a small table to put your stuff. Toilet and shower facilities are onboard too! There's even a hot shower that you can adjust the temperature, although the shower toilet smells and the water came out slow, it was good enough for a quick shower before a long day at Bangkok. There's even a wake up call by the train staff who will then knock on your door and convert your bed to day sofa. I will go for this first-class cabin again!

AylaFeb 8, 2018

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★☆☆

Take the lower bed (more space, less light/airo) and in the morning be prepared to quickly change to normal seating. Cleanliness was ok.

DenisJan 30, 2018

train #168 Class II Sleeper Fan, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

Good as 2nd class sleeper could be. I always enjoy the train in thailand

ShelleyJan 26, 2018

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

All transfers were perfect. The sleep train was sufficient.

LuciaJan 25, 2018

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Got the tickets in front of train station, super easy to locate. They refunded me what they had to and the tickets were exactly what I wanted. Train itself was clean inside the 1st class, bathrooms not so good but well I’ve never seen a clean train bathroom i think. train arrived 90 mins late to BKK but not fault of 12asia. Will keep using their service for sure!

DimitriJan 21, 2018

train #174 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

i liked it. Maybe the announcements inside the train could be better. But all in all I am satisfied with your service.

TinaJan 11, 2018

train #40 Class II AC, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

Very pleasent ride, they gave us food and drinks. Seats are a little narrow but not uncomfortable. The company does charge quite a bit extra for booking but we didn't have other options.

DianneJan 11, 2018

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

I love Thai trains (even when they are late/very late/on time). It is a pleasure to rattle to sleep on a safe train moving slowly through the countryside at the start/finish of a holiday. Good to see so many ferang families using the service now. I will book through 12GO again- easy translation, excellent communication, easy to pick up the tickets at the station (good English spoken=helpful staff) and in addition- they emailed a train delay warning (the train is almost always delayed getting into Bangkok- we just factor that in and enjoy the ride- thanks guys!!

RemcoJan 11, 2018

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Trip was great!

MelisaJan 9, 2018

bus Express, Suwannatee

★★★★★

Bus was on time and pretty comfortable, they provide a blanket because they have to leave the aircon running the entire trip. Was also given a black bean bun, water and juice. Staff did not speak English but they were very friendly and helpful

WilburnJan 8, 2018

bus Express, Suwannatee

★★★★☆

Small & compact seats, not much room. We were given a drink, snack and a wet whip. Staff was nice & announced each stop, but didn’t speak much English.

LesnerJan 6, 2018

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

12Go Asia's service was extremely good. From the online booking at support down to visiting their Thailand Office. Everything was fast, hassle-free and with good service. Love it.

JamieDec 31, 2017

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

12GoAsia were really helpful in organising my train travel. The train itself was ok, bed was comfortable, not a great night’s sleep though. Some annoying guy patrolling the carriages who doesn’t listen when you say no. Also there was a lot of confusion about how long til our stop, so just wait until you look outside and see it’s the terminus

MartaDec 21, 2017

train #84 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Verry convenient and comfortable way of travelling, we had a car for only us two - it was first class sleeper, we got clean bedlinen and soap and even water to drink. Toilet was clean and there was a shower also.

HunterDec 16, 2017

train #168 Class II Sleeper Fan, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Exactly as expected

KatieNov 3, 2017

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★★

The train ride was very comfortable and easy- I went to sleep and woke up at my destination.

EmilianoOct 30, 2017

train #40 Class II AC, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

Long trip but the trip was okay. Seats where big enough for us. We were suprised that we got some food for free.
Only bad thing is that the we arrived 1,5 hours later then expected.

KevinOct 13, 2017

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★★

We have booked the tickets and asked to pick up at Chumpon. The tickets were ready when we came there and could leave our luggage so we could have a nice dinner. Good service and a nice trip!!!

KeesOct 7, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

Fine way to travel

12goOct 4, 2017

avia Economy, Nok Air

★★★★★

Easy trip.

EvelienSep 25, 2017

train #44 Class II AC, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

Good trip. Only minor delay. Very strong AC we weren't prepared for though, so we were cold for most part of the night in spite of the blanket we got.

VictorSep 19, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

todo perfecto, sin problemas

LiaSep 10, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★☆☆

Too cold în the cabin, everything ok.

SedefSep 8, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Great job

SergiSep 5, 2017

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Everything went perfect. The boat right on time, the bus awating us at the arrival pier, the train tickets were at the office in front of chumphon's train station, and the first class cabin was totally worth it. Great!!

JuanSep 2, 2017

train #168 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★☆☆☆

Dirty train and delayed.

LucaAug 31, 2017

train #168 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

Train was on time on departure and arrival. Delivery of the advanced booked ticket directly at the train station.
We was a group of 17 passengers and all the berth were all togheter in one carriage.
Train clean and good services.
Wake up call one hour before arrival in BKK is the only negative things.

DanieleAug 28, 2017

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

Buon viaggio

DavideAug 28, 2017

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★★

The train has been perfectly on time. 1st class sleeper is a really good choice, since it's not expensive and the service is great. We booked a coffee for the morning before arriving in Bangkok and it came with a muffin too.
We chose to get the train ticket in Chumphon station and it's very very easy: you go to the office, tell your name and show passport and soon receive an envelope with your tickets inside. Easy, comfortable, cheap. Thanks 12GOAsia!

ManfredAug 27, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Very Good Connection and arranged

ChrisAug 24, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

Good trip, on time, queues and luggage somewhat chaotic

RebeccaAug 23, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Tickets easy to collect from Chumphon station, train was pleasant with a/c in our carriage and clean bedding. Overall a smooth and fun experience. Train was about 30 mins late arriving in Bangkok - not the fault of 12goasia but something to be aware of. Caught the local bus 29 to Don Muang, I think it took about 90 mins (please check this if you have a connection!) but cost only 13 baht for 2 people.

RaulAug 22, 2017

train #84 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★☆☆

I hate people enter to the train selling food at 6:00a.m morning when I'm sleeping.

AudreyAug 20, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

It is absolutely incredible hoe You managed to het the tickets to Chumpohn in time.
This is the third time I booked with you guys and each time it went superb. Your local HelpDesk in Krabi was very punctual and helpful. Totally happy with you guys

Rooms is good. Beds are ok. Airco is so crazy cold that I cought a cold.

DarrenAug 7, 2017

train #40 Class II AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Very comfortable, British rail could learn a thing or two here!

CelineAug 7, 2017

train #168 Class II Sleeper Fan, Thai Railways

★★☆☆☆

In our opinion, we were very overcharged for the traintickets. As we paid 1500 Tbh for two tickets, which both clearly showed to be only 400 Tbh each on the tickets itself. For the (minimal) service provided, this is too expensive.

MaaikeAug 2, 2017

bus Express, Suwannatee

★★★★★

The trip was very comfortable. The best bustrip we had this month :). Bus was on time, seats were good and spacious. We received a drink and a cake and a short stay at a busstation inbetween. Good value for your money!

CarmineAug 1, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

Excellent Trip.

IrisJul 25, 2017

train #84 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

The tickets we picked up at the train station were wrong (wrong date) so we had to pay 50 baht extra to change them. We would like a refund.

JulieJul 23, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★☆☆

The beds are good but the toilet and sink were not so clean... and I don't like it that they wake you up an hour before arrival (5:30 am!!!)

SophiaJul 8, 2017

bus Express, Suwannatee

★★★★★

Bus arrived 8 minutes early, they stowed our luggage very quickly and got us in the bus. The seats were very comfortable allowing you to recline very far and prop your legs up. We stopped to have food and buy some snacks. We hit traffic in Bangkok but it only added 30 minutes to our arrival time.

LiviaJul 4, 2017

train #84 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

The sleepers are generally clean, however you have to be independent to seek for which one is your train and stay alert at all times upon it's arrival.

VictoriaJun 27, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Everything was very smooth and organized. A ferry to a bus to a train and we never were confused about where to go or anything. Made a long travel day very stress free. And the beds on the night train are amazing! Thank you!!!

MiguelJun 25, 2017

train #84 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★☆☆

12Go Asia was perfect with us. We were in touch before our trip and we get the tickets from its office without problems. However, train was so late and we can't charge our mobile phones.

ChristopheJun 23, 2017

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★★

No complaints! Well organised

LindaJun 21, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Everything was smooth and organized. There was enough time between the ferry arrival and train departure. Will choose them next time too.

ShannonJun 13, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Helpful staff, clear directions, very efficient and pleasant trip.

ArnoldusMay 16, 2017

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Super organisition, good boat en good touringcar with ac.

KatjaMay 14, 2017

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

Sleeping first class it is good, you get fresh blanket and bed sheet. The only problem is that air-con it at so low temperatures in comparison with outside temperatures that it is not ok. It is too cold for being in the cabin for 9 hours.

Overall good service with polite and friendly staff both at the station and on board. We were, however, asked to vacate our 'beds' 1.5 hours before arriving at our destination which seemed excessive

HyejeongMay 8, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Seat was perfect.

UpeshMay 3, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

A smooth transition. It was great, we reached on time. A very well managed..

HansApr 19, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★☆☆

It is coming to late

FranciscoApr 13, 2017

train #86 Class II Sleeper AC, Thai Railways

★★★★★

Tickets were waiting for us at the railway station at Chumphon; all was easy and great!

NathanApr 11, 2017

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

Was an enjoyable ride and easy to get some sleep. Is quite noisy and wouldn't be suited for children I would imagine. Also keep in mind, I am 6"1' and did not fit on the bed. I expected this but if you are much taller you would have real problems as I was wall to wall

SarahApr 9, 2017

train #86 VIP Sleeper, Thai Railways

★★★★☆

I definately wouldnt call it first class on this train. The compartments were old and the wear and grime shows. That being said the staff was lovely and we actually slept relatively well so still rating at a 4.